Christmas festivities continue with Nativity scene blessing

29 November 2021

The Christmas in Aberdeen festive programme has continued with a blessing service for the nativity scene in St Nicholas Kirkyard.

Aberdeen’s Depute Provost Councillor Jennifer Stewart welcomed Members of Aberdeen Churches Together and local school children for the service. 

Reverend Gary Smith offered a prayer, followed by a reading by Pastor Joe Oche. Reverend Shuna Dicks delivered a Christmas message and the crib was blessed by Bishop Hugh Gilbert. The ceremony closed with the benediction from Reverend Terry Gilbert.

Popular Christmas Carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem and Away in a Manger were sung by pupils from local schools.

The Depute Provost of Aberdeen Councillor Jennifer Stewart (pictured above) said: “The blessing of the nativity scene is always a special occasion and marks the beginning of advent. The nativity scene in the kirk of St Nicholas provides an opportunity for people to take time out from such a busy time of year to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and the spirit of joy, hope, peace and good will to all men.”

The Nativity scene is open daily, from dawn to dusk until 5 January 2022.

The Christmas Crib Blessing Service is one of many events being held over the festive period in Aberdeen.